Shang-Chi set to star in Marvel’s first Asian superhero film

Fans are chomping at the bit for Marvel to release an Avengers 4 trailer, but that’s not the big news surrounding the studio today. According to a report out of Deadline, Marvel studios is fast-tracking Shang-Chi to be its newest superhero film with an Asian protagonist.

Shang-Chi, aka the “Master of Kung Fu”, was created by Steve Englehart and Jim Starlin, and made his first appearance in the 70s. The Chinese master martial artist has superb hand-to-hand fighting skills and possesses the ability to create duplicates of himself. Throughout the years Shang-Chi has teamed up with groups such as, Heroes for Hire, Secret Avengers, and the Avengers.

Chinese-American screenwriter Dave Callaham, has been tapped to write the screenplay. Callaham is a co-writer of DC Comics upcoming Wonder Woman 1984, and is also know for writing 2014’s Godzilla, and co-writing The Expendables. Marvel is said to already be actively hunting for an Asian or Asian-American director to lead the project. As with Black Panther, Marvel would like a director that can put together a film that has roots from their own culture, heritage, and lead a team with a cultural background shared with the lead protagonist.

Kevin Feige has made it clear that the future of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will include heavy themes of ethnic diversity and inclusion.